Description of Office: The Courts of Common Pleas are the trial courts of Pennsylvania. Major civil and criminal cases are heard in these courts. Judges also decide cases involving adoption, divorce, child custody, abuse, juvenile delinquency, estates, guardianships, charitable organizations, and many other matters. The Common Pleas courts are organized into 60 judicial districts, most of which encompass a single county. Seven judicial districts in lightly populated areas include two counties. A president judge and a court administrator serve in each judicial district. Salary: $229,393Term: 10 years
Occupation
District Attorney
Education
J.D., 1993, Widener University School of Law; B.A., 1990, Gettysburg College. As continuing education, I am an adjunct faculty member at Widener University Commonwealth Law School and Dickinson School of Law of Penn State University. I teach for the District Attorneys Institute and PA Bar Institute
I am in my 8th year serving as Dauphin County District Attorney. That is a quasi-judicial position. Everyday, I make decisions, not as an advocate, but on the basis of what is legally correct and what is in the public interest. This is why the Supreme Court of the United States refers to such positions as quasi-judicial. My 31 years of experience as a trial lawyer provided me with great experience to be a trial judge. I know the law of evidence well and I can make decisions on issues relating to evidentiary issues as they are presented. I have great patience and a recognized work ethic. If entrusted with this position, I will continue to work tirelessly on behalf of the people of Dauphin County.
The Court of Common Pleas is a trial court. The same Rules of Evidence apply equally to criminal and civil law proceedings. I have tried over 140 jury trials, including 24 murder trials. The cases I tried have included very complex and lengthy ones. Following convictions, instead of turning cases over to our office’s appellate unit, I have handled the appeals in the cases I tried. This is great preparation to be a trial judge who must immediately rule on issues relating to the evidentiary issues. When appeals arise, the Common Pleas judge must issue a written opinion outlining the basis for prior decisions. My experience in appellate practice has been great preparation for writing judicial opinions.
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Candidate has not yet responded.
Occupation
Attorney
Education
Widener University Commonwealth Law School
I have integrity, compassion, keen listening, discernment, and an even temperament.
The heart of criminal and civil practice is understanding promulgated regulations and statutes. I spent 7 years as a research analyst with our state legislature drafting language for proposed bills. Additionally, I have 25 years of courtroom experience which includes time spent as an advocate for the wrongly-convicted, judicial law clerk (criminal & civil), criminal prosecutor and criminal defense attorney. In my current private practice, I handle criminal and civil matters.
Occupation
Attorney
Education
Middletown Area High School (1985), Shippensburg University (B.A. 1989), Widener University School of Law (J.D 1992)
I’ve spent my career listening carefully, weighing facts, and making fair, informed decisions—qualities that are essential in a judge. I’m someone who listens before speaking, seeks to understand before judging, and believes deeply in the fairness of our legal system. I’ve spent my career helping people during some of the most difficult times in their lives, and that work has instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and responsibility. I know how important it is for people to feel that their voice is heard and that the legal process is accessible, respectful, and impartial. I carry those values with me every day and would bring them to the bench.
I’ve built a legal career that spans both criminal and civil law. I began in the Dauphin County Public Defender’s Office, where I served for over a decade, handling everything from summary offenses to serious felony trials, gaining hands-on courtroom experience and a deep understanding of criminal procedure. In private practice, I’ve represented clients in a wide range of civil matters—family law, real estate, estate planning, guardianships, and mental health proceedings. I’ve also been entrusted with court appointments that require discretion, impartiality, and legal depth. This experience has given me the tools and perspective necessary to fairly and effectively handle the full scope of cases that come before the Court of Common Pleas.
